USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampton Falls > History of Hampton Falls, N.H., Volume II > Part 15
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The heart shall bless the hand that gave This freedom of the world of books.
The principal address of the afternoon was then given by Hon. Henry K. Braley, a justice of the superior court of Massachusetts and a speaker of eloquence and charm. He said in part :
"This library building is given by one who has not forgotten his ancestral home; who returns in his later days, bringing his sheaves with him. Here he has built for you a foundation to a noble influence in your lives. It is for you now to use the foundation. The character of the books taken from this building will show exactly what use you will make of the donor's generosity, and of aiding in the spread of the influence of the library. This institution supplements the work of the church and of the home, and of the schoolhouse. That a well equipped library aids and enforces Christian ethics is a fact gen- erally admitted."
Pertinent addresses were also made by Rev. D. H. Evans of North Hampton, and Rev. E. J. Prescott of Salem, Mass.
On motion of the chairman, a unanimous vote was passed expressive of thanks to Mrs. Spofford for her exquisite poem and of regret at her absence. Mr. John T. Brown was requested to convey to her the feelings of the people of Hampton Falls.
The exercises closed with the singing of "Auld Lang Syne"; the reading of letters from Hon. William C. Todd of Atkinson, President Eliot of Harvard, Mrs. Spofford and others, and with the benediction by Rev. Mr. Bartlett.
After the dedication the large company crossed the street to the town hall to partake of an excellent turkey dinner, at which two hundred and sixty-eight sat down at the first table, fifty children meanwhile being served in the upper hall. Socially as otherwise it was a delightful feast. Afterwards an interesting letter from F. B. Sanborn, Esq., a son of Hampton Falls, was read from which we quote:
"When Rev. Dr. Langdon left the presidency of Harvard to become parish minister of our town, he brought with him a considerable library of English, Latin and Greek books, and many pamphlets of the Revolutionary period. These were lent to his parishioners and neighbors from 1780 to 1797, and others given by him at his death to the parish church were, a part of them, kept in the old meeting house. These, I suppose, were the first public library in the town. I think Parson Abbot, who succeeded Dr. Langdon in 1788, added a
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few volumes. Many have disappeared in the century since intervened; but those which remain will be kept in a special case in the new library. Rev. Jacob Abbot belonged to a family of scholars. His brother, Rev. Dr. Abiel Abbot of Peterborough, N. H., was one of the founders of the first free library in America-maintained by taxation-that now existing at Peterborough. Parson Abbot of Hampton Falls, early in the nineteenth century founded a 'Social Library' in his parish which continued in use for nearly half a century.
"The number of volumes in Parson Abbot's Social Library was about three hundred when it was distributed among the shareholders in 1849, and it would be well if such volumes as survive were given to the town library as curiosities for readers of this century. Meantime Parson Caldwell and his sister, Miss Fanny, had sown the seeds of a new and much larger library. In April, 1844, there was organized the 'Ladies Benevolent Society of the First Congrega- tional Church.' It was a 'sewing circle,' devoting the products of its labors and fees to good works. When two years old it was voted that a part of the income should be used to purchase books. It has now about a thousand well chosen volumes, but, being the property of a corporation, it can only pass to the town by vote of the members. Ultimately, and upon due conditions, it will probably make a considerable part of the Free Town Library."
In the evening a dance was given by the young people in the town hall, two guests of Newell W. Healey furnishing the music.
The Building.
As our readers well know, the commodious building was orig- inally the First Christian Baptist meeting house, which Mr. Brown purchased last spring for presentation to the town. In . due time at a special meeting the town signified its grateful appreciation of the prospective gift, and at the donor's expense the building has been admirably equipped for its new uses.
The roof has been slated and a stately porch has been added at the front. Painted in cream white, with blinds of dark green, the exterior has a most attractive look. New crystal glass has been put in the old sashes and the small windows about the door are of leaded stained glass. Set into the wall above the entrance is a white marble tablet inscribed
Hampton Falls 1901 Free Library
The interior leaves nothing to be desired. The vestibule opens at either side into rooms of seven by thirteen feet, respectively for the librarian and the trustees, and into the library proper, an apartment thirty-seven feet square and very high studded. It is floored in birch and sheathed in whitewood. The walls and ceiling have been beautifully decorated by W. A. Morton of Haverhill, in rococo style in ecru, Nile green and old rose. The ceiling is effectively panelled, and in the frieze and scroll designs really artistic work has been done.
At the rear of the room is a platform with pulpit desk, it being intended to hold occasional religious services in the building. Upon the platform are the three pulpit chairs of the old church and upon the desk its Bible. In a rear corner stands Pew 32,
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS
which will be preserved. Suitable provision will be made for the display of the old communion set. Affixed to the wall at either side of the desk are white marble tablets, thus inscribed in gilded letters:
Donor of the building and land, John T. Brown, of Newburyport, Mass., August, 1901.
Trustees.
William A. Cram.
George C. Healey.
James H. Brown.
Charles L. White.
Henry E. Tilton.
Edith S. Brown.
Emma A. Batchelder.
Lucie S. Weare.
Ellen F. Lord.
Eliza B. Sanborn.
To the memory of those who erected this building A. D., 1835.
Jacob Brown.
William Brown.
Zephaniah Brown.
Thomas Brown.
Nathan W. Brown.
Joseph C. Brown.
John B. Brown.
Josiah Brown.
Samuel Brown.
Huldy Chase.
David Chase.
Nathan Moulton.
Thomas Moulton.
Caleb Towle.
Daniel Pevear.
Charles Hardy.
George Hardy. Lucy Robey.
John Gove.
Richard Morrill.
Molly Blake.
Above the platform hangs a portrait of John T. Brown, pre- sented by himself at urgent request. It is a masterpiece of photography, nearly life size, half length, a perfect likeness and richly framed. Mr. Brown has also given from his collection two rare and finely colored pictures, "Washington's Entry into New York to be Inaugurated President" and "Washington Crossing the Alleghanies." They hang in the centre of the side walls.
Mr. Brown will present the book cases, which are being made under his supervision in Newburyport. They will soon be re-
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ceived and the library will probably be opened on Saturday, the 14th.
The librarian, Sadie E. Janvrin, reports that volumes now number 960, and as intimated in Mr. Sanborn's letter many accessions may be expected in the near future.
The Ladies' Library, of which mention has been made, was incorporated by act of the legislature in 1887. But few of the earlier and interested members were living in 1901. A meeting was held on September 18, when it was voted to remove the books to the town library building, and allow the people of the town to use them upon the same conditions as the books of the town library are used. There were over 1,000 books in the Ladies' Library. Mr. Brown offered to provide cases for the books which were taken to the library building soon after. The ownership of the Ladies' Library is to remain with the original proprietors and can be removed if the conditions are not satis- factory to them.
What books remain of those given by Rev. Dr. Langdon are now in a case by themselves, and number about one hundred. Some undoubtedly have been lost. They were probably valuable and standard works at the time they were given, but not of as much interest at the present time. The majority of them are in Latin. They are a curiosity and should be carefully preserved as a memorial of the giver.
For more than twenty years Mrs. Sadie E. Janvrin has been the faithful and efficient librarian.
By the first order from the Navy Department for guns to be placed about the Weare monument on the common we were to receive them from the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, but, owing to the difficulty and danger of getting them over the bridge, objec- tion was made by the Government, and the order was changed and we received four guns from the Charlestown Navy Yard. The Boston and Maine Railroad transported them free to Hamp- ton Falls. The original order of the Government making the change is here appended :
WASHINGTON, D. C., August 14, 1897.
Sir :-
Referring to your letter of July 21, 1897, enclosing letter from Mr. Warren Brown in regard to obtaining guns from the Boston Navy Yard instead of from the Portsmouth Navy Yard:
1. The Bureau has cancelled the order on the Portsmouth
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS
Navy Yard for the three (3) 100-pdr. guns, and has substituted the following:
From the Boston Navy Yard.
Four (4) 32-pdr. guns, of 4500 lbs. each, with mounts, and Two hundred and twenty (220) XI-inch projectiles.
2. These will be issued to the order of the Selectmen of Hamp- ton Falls, N. H., and must be removed without expense to the Government.
Respectfully,
SAM'L K. BEHREND, Actg. Chief of Bureau of Ordn.
HON. W. E. CHANDLER,
U. S. Senate, Washington, D. C.
FROM TOWN RECORDS.
The records of the town show that generally there have been some persons who by want of capacity, misfortune or by their own actions, have been reduced to poverty and have become dependent upon the town for support. This was a condition much more common in the earlier history of the town than at present. Such people were looked upon with disfavor and, being paupers, no matter how their conditions had been brought about, they were not supposed to have any rights that anyone was bound to respect. The burden for the support of such persons was made as little as possible. It was the custom in early times to dispose of town charges at auction to the lowest bidder at the annual town meeting. There was no guarantee that any extra care or attention would be given to the persons thus disposed of. This practice, once common, seems to have been discontinued here before 1800. It was practiced in many towns until a com- paratively recent period. Many persons who were dependent upon the town for a part or the whole of their support at that time would, at the present time, be able to gain their own liveli- hood, as there are now so many more means of employment and ways of earning money. This is especially true of in-door help which is now scarce and hard to obtain. Many of the women who appear upon the record as receiving help from the town could now obtain employment at good wages and be independent of charity.
There were some who had a little property but from want of judgment and calculation were in danger of loosing it, and thus they would be in danger of becoming town charges. Such people were often placed under guardianship or the selectmen took charge of their affairs and used the proceeds and income for their support, and in this way prevented them from becoming an expense to the town.
About 1750 Abigail and Rebecca Worthen, who were considered non compos mentis, had a little property which was appraised and taken in charge by the selectmen and used for their support; items appear upon the record book for a number of years after,
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS
but no evidence that they were any expense to the town. Had this precaution not been taken their little property would prob- ably have been wasted and they would have been dependent upon the town for support. We have no knowledge of where they lived or anything in relation to them except what appears upon the record.
In 1756 we find a charge of one pound four shillings for four pairs of gloves furnished the bearers at the funeral of Widow Hannah Cooper. It was a custom in those times for the family bereaved to present each of the bearers with a pair of gloves. We have no means of knowing why this respect was shown Mrs. Cooper as she had been supported by the town for several years. Either her connections or character were such as to command the respect of the community, or this would not have been done. There is no means of knowing who she was or why she was so unfortunate as to have had assistance from the town. The name of Cooper does not appear upon our record among the inhabi- tants of the town.
Abigail Crosby is another name which appears for many years before 1790. Items for her support and clothing appear fre- quently upon the record. 'On April 17, 1771, she was sold for one year to Nathan Rowe for ten shillings lawful money. Ben- jamin Leavitt afterward took her at the same price. She appears to have lived in Mr. Leavitt's family for a considerable time. There is no knowledge of her except what is upon the record. John Treadwell was sold at the same time to Pain Rowe, three pounds seven shillings lawful money.
Great care was exercised by the selectmen of the town to pre- vent undesirable persons from gaining a residence, who might later become an expense to the town. Newcomers, who had no visible means of support or who had large families, were often warned to leave the town. If this was done within a few days after their arrival, the towns were not liable for their support in case they came to want. So jealous were the authorities in this respect that often persons of property were warned out, as it was thought better to be on the safe side. Any person who had been rated for six years and had paid their taxes for the six successive years gained a residence. In taxing doubtful persons it was the custom to omit them for a year, so six years in suc- cession would not appear and thus prevent the gaining of a
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FROM TOWN RECORDS
residence. This usually excited the ire of the person omitted, as they were aware of why it was done. By taxing William Blaisdell one year too many the town became liable for the sup- port of his family. The town was taxed for the support of some members of his family for more than sixty years, until the last one died in 1853. This family cost the town thousands of dollars.
THE LONG BRIDGE AT RIVERMOUTH.
The bridge at the mouth of the Hampton River was begun in 1901. The most of the oak piling and heavy timber was taken from the cars at the Boston and Maine railroad station at Hamp- ton Falls, and rolled upon the town landing where it was worked and fitted, and then taken down the river in rafts. The hard pine lumber was taken from Portsmouth in rafts towed by a steam tug. In a heavy sea three of the rafts went to pieces, the lumber coming ashore as far east as Portland, Me. Much of it was a total loss to the contractors. The experiment of building the bridge was watched with considerable interest. Many pre- dicted that it would be a failure. When the bridge had been completed it was dedicated May 14, 1902, and formally opened to the public. Gov. Chester B. Jordan acted as motorman of the first car that ever ran upon the bridge. The opening exercises were conducted about midway of the bridge. Warren Brown of Hampton Falls presided. Addresses were made by Governor Jordan, Hon. Henry M. Putney, chairman of the railroad com- missioners, Col. John C. Linehan, insurance commissioner, Presi- dent Murkland of the State College, N. J. Batchelder, master of the State Grange, and Hon. John McLane of Milford. The music was by the Exeter band. The exercises at the bridge were at 2.30 p. m., previous to which a collation had been served to the invited guests at Hotel Whittier. It is claimed that a part of the bridge near the center is in Hampton Falls, as the town of Hampton Falls extends to the bound rock which is below the bridge. It is claimed by some that the dedicatory exercises occurred in Hampton Falls.
Formerly the Hampton River and its branches were well stocked with clams, but during the latter part of the nineteenth century, from some cause, they had become nearly extinct. When the bridge was built there was some speculation as to what might be the effect upon the clam flats. From some cause in
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON. FALLS
1907 clams were as abundant as ever were known. It was thought that the mud washed upon the flats had been the cause of killing them and that the bridge had altered the current and caused the clams to be abundant again. The quality of the Hampton River clams is the very best as there is no sewage to injure them. It is said that there is a larger area of clam flats in Hampton Falls than in any other town in the state.
In November, 1901, for the first time within the knowledge of any one living, herring in vast numbers have come into the Hampton River, and have been taken in great quantities with seines. As many as five hundred barrels have been taken in a single night. This was done by parties from Newburyport. To facilitate this work a small steam launch was used which was the first one ever on the river.
In 1866 bluefish were taken from the river in great numbers. With this exception bluefish have never been known to be in the river to any great extent.
In the fall of 1865 immense quantities of pollock were taken off the coast of Hampton, Seabrook and Salisbury. Nothing like it had ever been known before.
In the autumn of 1861, which was the first year of the war, the old academy hall was used as a drill hall. Guns were furnished by the state. Gen. Charles A. Nason, who had been prominent in military affairs in the state, acted as drill master. Quite a large number engaged in the drill. The tactics used in war were so different from those in the old militia that this exercise was of little practical value. No one, so far as known, who went through military evolution there, ever saw any service in the War of the Rebellion.
During the winter of 1858 and 1859, a course of lectures was delivered at the Baptist Church. The more noted lecturers were Edward Everett Hale, Thomas Starr King, Rev. Rolin H. Neal and Henry Gyles of New York, and other distinguished men whose names have now gone from my memory. The following winter lectures were delivered in the academy hall. Among the lecturers was Rev. J. C. Fletcher who spoke on Brazil a number of times. Rev. A. M. Bridge and Hon. George H. Dodge were active in getting the speakers, and in making the affair success- ful. The lectures were well patronized and much enjoyed.
On March 21, 1904, at 1.05 a. m., occurred one of the most
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FROM TOWN RECORDS
severe shocks of earthquakes ever known in New England. It extended over all New England and was heavy in Maine. At Augusta chimneys were thrown down. It was felt with much force in this town but no damage was done.
In June, 1904, the New Hampshire Traction Company put in a second line of feed wires extending across this town, going over the land of Warren Brown, Henry H. Knight, H. E. Tilton, Samuel R. Dalton, William H. Thompson and Mrs. T. G. Moulton. The price paid per pole was, on an average, a little more than $10 each. The Rockingham Board of Commis- sioners made the award. This line extends from Hampton power house to the car barn in Plaistow.
On July 3, 1908, in a heavy thunder shower, the Baptist meet- ing house was struck by lightning. The steeple was injured so much that it had to be practically rebuilt, at a cost of $350. The clock was not stopped but the hands refused to move. It was repaired and put in order by the insurance company.
In the same shower the east schoolhouse was also struck and badly shattered. The teacher, Miss Pratt, had the precaution to gather the children into the centre of the room and no one was injured. Had the teacher remained at her desk she would, in all probability, have been killed. The house was repaired at an expense of $158.65.
On July 13, 1905, Nathaniel Batchelder's barn was struck by lightning and three hogs were killed. Not much damage was done to the building.
On July 10, John M. True's barn in Kensington was struck by lightning and burned; two cows were also burned. In the same shower Abel Page's barn was struck and burned, and Walter Hilliard's barn was also struck and a horse was killed. These were all in Kensington. In June, 1906, the barn of Josiah D. Prescott was struck by lightning and burned.
Jeremiah Brown, commonly known as "Neighbor" Brown, was born in Londonderry and came to this town, about 1820, to work in the stable at the hill. He married first Ball of Epsom and had sons, Jonathan and Theodore, and perhaps others. He married, second, Sally, daughter of Walter Williams. They had children, Eunice, Theodate, Andrew J., and George. He afterward lived in what was the Burnham tavern house. He moved to Exeter and lived five years upon the Cram farm, going
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS
from there to Epsom in 1849 where he died soon after. Andrew J. was a currier by trade and lived in Exeter. He drove a hack for Major Blake for twenty-five years. He died in Tamworth in 1910, at an age of more than eighty years.
Charles P. Akerman died on September 17, 1908, aged about sixty-five years. He was a son of Meshech S. Akerman and was born in this town on the farm now owned by George J. Curtis. The family moved to Hampton in 1847. He had been station agent for the Boston and Maine Railroad in Hampton Falls since January 1, 1877, until his death. He was representative from Hampton Falls in 1901, and was one of the selectmen at the time of his death. He was a prominent Odd Fellow and had taken the higher degrees, and had acted as a deputy to visit neighboring lodges. He had one daughter, Annie. He spent nearly all his life in the employ of the Eastern, and Boston and Maine railroads. After the death of Mr. Akerman, Charles B. Brown was appointed railroad station, agent, and continued until March 1, 1917.
Abraham Green, who was mentioned about 1740, was a physician and settled in Stratham. Jeremiah Pearson, who lived about the same time, was a tailor. He figured in the attempt to settle Robiestown (Weare) about 1750.
Job Haskel was born at Gloucester, Mass., on April 17, 1716 and came to Hampton Falls in May, 1738. He married Mercy, daughter of Thomas Leavitt, January 20, 1737/8. His son, Job, Jr., was a soldier in the Revolutionary War from this town. He was rated here for the last time in 1780. He died at New Gloucester, Me., 1806, aged ninety years. We are unable to tell where he lived in this town, but he owned real estate here. He appears to have lived in Chichester and Pittsfield after leaving here. Richard Tobie, mentioned on our record, married a daughter of Job Haskell.
For the first time since 1667, the name of Tilton disappears from our record in 1906, Henry E. Tilton having disposed of his farm and removed from the town. People of the name were quite numerous in the town; twelve persons of the name were rated in 1776. There were blacksmiths in the town by the name of Tilton from 1667 until 1821.
Joseph Thresher and his son, Henry, were tanners. They lived on Thresher's Lane where Mr. Milton now lives. Henry
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FROM TOWN RECORDS
Thresher married a daughter of Jacob Brown and removed to Chester soon after 1750.
In October, 1906, the gypsy moth commission made some examination in this town and found a few nests. They wished to co-operate with the selectmen of the towns about here for a thorough examination and for the destruction of all nests which might be found. This was the first appearance of the gypsy moth in this town. In 1907 the report says that they have spread to some extent the past years.
In 1904, the brown tail moth, a pest recently imported from France, and which has been in Essex County and around New- buryport for a number of years, made its appearance in this town. It has gone across this state into Maine. The bright electric lights of the street cars were an attraction and favored their spread. They have caused a great deal of damage to fruit and shade trees. They have and still continue to cause the farmers a great deal of labor and expense to keep them in check.
On September 22, 1902, during the night, a violent hail storm passed over Bridehill and Pagetown in North Hampton. In the morning hail to a depth of a number of inches was found. It was gathered in the afternoon by a number of families to make ice cream. Considerable damage was done the growing crops. It did not do much damage in this town.
In October, 1905, Warren Brown had electric lights put into his barn and stable, and a few in his house, and had an electric motor installed, with which to saw wood, press hay, etc. Fred P. Sanborn put in light and power at about the same time. These were the first electric lights in the town.
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